But in places such as Solvang,
Buellton, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach,
Avila Beach, Atascadero, Templeton,
San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles you'll discover many colorful types of
pumpkins and gourds. And you'll also find the perfect place to entertain
the little ones during your
California travel with kids.

On a visit to the Avila Valley Barn,
you can survey the selection of pumpkins and pick out your favorite from
big wood bins that include Orange Smoothies, Turbins, Wee-Be Littles,
Mini Pumpkins and Sugar Pie Pumpkins, plus Winged Gourds, to name some.
Children wander wide-eyed and curious through the grounds, petting
goats, watching chickens and roosters, riding the tractor that meanders
through the pumpkin patch and playing
on the bales of hay in the back. Parents bring their toddlers and kids,
and set them on the bales of hay that's been arranged for photo
opportunities. Locals seem to know about this picture perfect setting
and bring the family for a picture to mail to the loved ones.

This stand with its home made fudge shop (two flavors of
pumpkin fudge seasonally), ice cream,
and store with fresh produce and fancy foods, is ideal for an hour of
entertainment before heading to the beach around the bend where no
pumpkins can be seen.

Central Coast combines beaches and barns, the ocean and farms, for a
luxury setting that's serene, soothing to the soul and connects people
with the earth in a manner that's definitely missed in the metropolis
California cities and counties of San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Orange County and San Diego.

When to visit for the pumpkins: Beginning in October each year, you'll
find pumpkin patches and farms selling
their roadside produce along Highway 101 and arterial roads.